Human rights advocate Barrister Anthony Kelechi Agbasiere has called on the EFCC to focus its efforts on investigating banks and individuals involved in the sale and theft of the naira, rather than expending energy on individuals who engage in spraying money, as was the case with the controversial cross-dresser Idris Olanrewaju Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky.
Bobrisky is currently serving a six-month prison sentence without the option of a fine for abusing the Nigerian currency, the naira. Agbasiere noted that there is nothing wrong with spraying money when one is in a happy mood.
Agbasiere made this call over the weekend in Awka during the birthday celebration of the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Pool King Estate Nigeria, Hon. Gabriel Chukwunwendu.
ALSO READ: Nascon halts proposed merger with Dangote Sugar
It’s worth recalling that the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) arrested Bobrisky earlier this month for currency mutilation and abuse of the naira at Pinnock Estate in Lagos State. Subsequently, Bobrisky was sentenced to six months in prison by Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court, Lagos.
In further reaction to these events, Barrister Agbasiere, who is also a Knight of Saint John International, stated that people spray money as a gesture of appreciation to a celebrant or someone who has done something good. He emphasized that he sees nothing wrong with this practice.
“Currency is being sprayed across the globe; even in the United States of America, people also spray dollars without facing arrest, let alone arraignment,” Agbasiere remarked. “The US dollar holds more value than the naira. Therefore, the government should focus on substance and not chase shadows.”
Agbasiere did not solely blame the EFCC for carrying out its statutory duties but also criticized the National Assembly for failing in its responsibility to enact laws that promote good governance, law, and order in the country.
“The members of the National Assembly spend too much time on unnecessary matters, which is a misplacement of priorities,” Agbasiere asserted. “Lawmakers should concentrate on issues that will move the country forward.”
“I have been advocating and challenging the members of the National Assembly. If they claim to be patriotic, let them make election rigging and embezzlement of public funds capital offenses punishable by death,” Agbasiere concluded. “I strongly believe that with these two laws, Nigeria will be better for all of us.”